Modular packaging system for fragile planiform materials

ABSTRACT

A modular packaging system of corrugated fibreboard construction is provided for relatively large-scale, fragile planiform materials, such as glass doors and architectural glass panels. Panels in a predetermined range of dimensions are individually enclosed within an adaptable, protective case. One or more loaded panel cases, in a substantially vertical orientation, are stacked horizontally and strapped together with a pair of buttressing pillars at each end, on opposite faces thereof. Two shock-absorbing base blocks are provided, upon which said panel case or bound stack rests. Each base block is a laminate, constructed of bonded corrugated fibreboard panels, and is disposed underneath the panel case or stack of cases, proximal to a respective lateral edge thereof, with its ends secured within recesses at the base of the pillars bound at that end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to packaging systems andparticularly to a packaging system of corrugated fibreboard constructionfor the transportation and storage of relatively large-scale fragileplaniform materials, such as glass doors and architectural panels.

II. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Continual advances, over many centuries, in manufacturing processes ofglass resulted in the commercial availability of increasingly largesheets of glass. With the introduction to market of architectural glass,a need arose for packaging systems for the safe transportation andstorage of large and heavy glass panels.

Various designs of crates and racks have emerged to satisfy this need,typically featuring a wooden frame supporting a horizontal stack ofglass panels, each panel standing on edge either vertically or somewhatinclined. One example of such a system is U.S. Pat. No. 2,839,198A (F.J. Lefevre, 1958), proposing an A-frame wood structure and a means ofclamping inclined stacks of glass panels onto it. Variations on thisdesign are taught in many subsequent patents.

Wood frame-based packaging systems, albeit traditional, proventechnology, inherently suffer from several disadvantages. Wood framecrates are heavy, typically requiring two or more persons or mechanizedmeans to manipulate and move them; the process of constructing woodframe crates is generally lengthy and involved, requiring skilledworkers, tools, and fasteners; once assembled, wood frame crates arebulky, occupying precious floor space in any commercial facility whichuses them regularly; heavy and bulky, and being moved about of ashipping floor, wood frame crates present a workplace hazard; oncedelivered and unloaded, they are either wastefully discarded, or shippedback to the sender, as they are, at a non-trivial cost.

In the late nineteenth century, corrugated fibreboard and prefabricatedfibreboard box blanks became commercially available. The rigidity,lightness, and shock absorption properties of this inexpensive material,lent it well to the packaging of fragile objects. In fact, one of itsfirst uses was the packaging of glass bottles and containers. Notsurprisingly, corrugated fibreboard packaging systems have continued toevolve in parallel with developments in glass manufacturing. Numerousdesigns are now found in the prior art teaching the use of fibreboardpackaging systems for glass and other fragile panels.

Corrugated fibreboard cases and envelopes intended to packageindividual, relatively light panels, such as mirror panes, have beenknown for decades and typically incorporate structural elements by whichthe panel to be packaged is suspended internally, at some distance fromthe container's outer walls, and is therefore protected from impactdamage. U.S. Pat. No. 2,177,241A (H. Burack, 1939), for instance,presents a paperboard box, in whose cavity a receptacle is formed tosuspend a fragile article away from the outer walls. Another example isU.S. Pat. No. 2,105,086A (J. Liskin and S. Stimmel, 1938) which teachesthe suspension of a fragile planiform article in an internal envelopeformed of and integral with the box blank. While suitable forindividual, light panels, these systems do not possess the structuralrigidity necessary for the packaging of stacks of relatively large andheavy panels.

Packaging systems have been devised for the containment of individualautomobile windshields, strapping the heavy, curved glass panel to aninterior position offset from the edges of the encasing fibreboardenvelope. U.S. Pat. No. 3,166,188A (M. C. Koester, 1965), for instance,straps the windshield over inwardly folded flaps to a safe interiorposition within the enclosing envelope. In this application, corrugatedfibreboard packaging in the form of an envelope in which a fragile panelis suspended appears to reach its structural limitation. A differentsystem altogether is required for the packaging of heavier, largerpanels, such as architectural glass, particularly when several panelsare to be packaged as a unit.

It has been known in the art that although individual sheets of glass orother fragile material readily succumb to deformative stresses, atightly bound stack of abutting such sheets possesses considerableresistance to damaging deformation. Indeed, binding together multiplesheets or panels to be shipped has been part of the solution to theirpackaging.

When a number of fragile panels of relatively large surface area are tobe packaged, it is advantageous to bind them together in a substantiallyvertical orientation as a horizontal stack, since this minimizes thefootprint of the package and the probability of damage. Few solutionshave been proposed for the containment of such a stack, which departfrom the traditional crate of metal and wood construction and avoid theaforementioned shortcomings attendant thereto.

Broadly, proposed alternatives incorporate modular end units which serveto support and sometimes bind the stack of vertical panels, suspendingit somewhat off the floor. Being somewhat elevated protects the stackfrom floor impact damage, and allows it to be manipulated by amechanized means, such as a forklift.

One example of this solution can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,808A (D.M. Bartholomew, 1999). This patent teaches an end unit structureconstructed of paperboard and nailed wood panels, a wooden baseboardwith nailed feet spanning the width of the package and suspending it offthe floor, and, optionally, a wooden top cap board. Panels are strappedtogether with the end units. This design suffers from many of theaforesaid disadvantages of traditional wooden crates, and is limited topackaging a predetermined number of identical panels.

Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 3,603,455A (David A. Barms, 1971). Thispatent teaches a two-part bracing member of corrugated cardboardconstruction that is adaptable in dimensionality to conform to a rangeof stack geometries. Two such bracing members are employed—one neareither end of the stack—binding it and suspending it off the floor.Although flexible in that it can accommodate any number of panels(within limits) in a range of dimensions, this system, too, is limitedto packaging panels of the same width and height. Moreover, assembly ofthe two parts of the bracing members requires drilling holes, fasteningbolts, and trimming protruding sections which adds considerably to thetime required to assemble the entire package.

There remains a need, evidently, for an inexpensive, light packagingsystem for a stack of large panels of frangible materials; a systemwhich requires no particular skill to assemble and very few tools, whichis compact when stored unassembled, and which may be readilydisassembled for economical return to the sender. The present inventionaddresses these, among other objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the first and main object of this invention to provide aneconomical packaging system for one or more relatively large panels offragile material, which may be transported and stored disassembled andmay be readily assembled when needed, requiring no specific skill orspecialized tools.

A second object of this invention is to provide a packaging system asdescribed above, which can accommodate panels in a range of thicknessesand surface dimensions.

A third object of this invention is to provide a packaging system asdescribed above, which occupies minimal volume and which has a minimalfootprint.

A fourth object of this invention is to provide a packaging system asdescribed above, which protects its contents from floor impact damageand which may be manipulated by a forklift.

These objects are met in embodiments of this invention through a numberof features, as outlined below.

The principle feature of the present invention is its modular design,where each module is constructed primarily of recyclable corrugatedfibreboard blanks. The modularity of the design allows it to be readilyand economically transported and stored. The corrugated fibreboardconstruction allows the system to be light yet rigid, and inexpensive.

A second feature of the invention is an adaptable, multi-part panelcase, within which an individual panel in a range of dimensions may besecured. Several such panel cases may be bound in a substantiallyvertical orientation as a horizontal stack.

A third feature of the invention is an internally reinforced supportpillar, two pairs of which—one at each end of the aforementionedhorizontal stack—serve to buttress the stack and stabilize thesubstantially vertical panel cases.

A fourth feature of the invention is a shock-absorbing base block. Twosuch blocks—each disposed underneath the respective end of theaforementioned bound and buttressed stack—suspend the stack off thefloor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present inventionis provided hereafter, in which references are made to the followingfigures:

FIG. 1—A perspective view of an assembled and bound package, accordingto the present invention, containing three panel cases.

FIG. 2—An orthographic front view of the package depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3—An orthographic side view of the package depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4—A plan view of the fibreboard blank for the support pillardepicted in FIG. 5-7.

FIG. 5—A perspective isometric view of a support pillar constructed fromthe fibreboard blank depicted in FIG. 4, with its top and bottom flapspartly open.

FIG. 6—A perspective isometric view of the support pillar depicted inFIG. 5 with its top and bottom flaps closed, tracing its manner ofengagement with the laminated base block depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 7—A perspective view of the support pillar depicted in FIG. 6 fromthe opposite direction.

FIG. 8—A perspective view of the reversed form of a support pillar,according to the present invention.

FIG. 9—A perspective view of the laminated base block, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 10—An orthographic front view of the support pillar depicted inFIG. 6.

FIG. 11—An orthographic section view of the support pillar depicted inFIG. 10, corresponding to line 11, exposing its internal structure.

FIG. 12—A perspective view of a second embodiment of the support pillar,according to the present invention, with its top flap opened.

FIG. 13—A plan view of the fibreboard blank from which the secondembodiment of the support pillar depicted in FIG. 12 is constructed.

FIG. 14—An orthographic section view of a second embodiment of thesupport pillar depicted in FIG. 12, corresponding to a viewpoint similarto line 11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15—A perspective view of a third embodiment of the support pillar,according to the present invention, with its front wall removed toexpose its inner structure.

FIG. 16—A plan view of the fibreboard blank from which the thirdembodiment of the support pillar is constructed.

FIG. 17—An orthographic front view of the third embodiment of thesupport pillar.

FIG. 18—An orthographic section view of the third embodiment of thesupport pillar corresponding to line 18, exposing its internal structureas seen from above.

FIG. 19—An orthographic section view of the third embodiment of thesupport pillar corresponding to line 19, exposing its internal structureas seen from below.

FIG. 20—A perspective isometric view of a corner pad constructedaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 21—A plan view of a fibreboard blank from which the corner paddepicted in FIG. 20 is constructed.

FIG. 22—An orthographic front view of four pieces of the corner paddepicted in FIG. 20, affixed to a panel to be packaged, which, in turn,is affixed to a mounting panel, according to the present invention.

FIG. 23—A perspective view of a four-flap envelope, according to thepresent invention, tracing its manner of engagement with the mountingpanel of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24—A perspective view of the four-flap envelope of FIG. 23, engagedwith and amid closure over the loaded mounting panel.

FIG. 25—A plan view of a fibreboard blank for the four-flap envelope ofFIG. 23.

FIG. 26—A perspective view of a two-flap, outer envelope, according tothe present invention, tracing its manner of engagement with the loadedfour-flap envelope of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27—A perspective view of the outer envelope of FIG. 26 and thefour-flap, loaded envelope it encases, forming a complete panel case.

FIG. 28—A plan view of a fibreboard blank for the outer envelope of FIG.26.

FIG. 29—An orthographic front view of the assembly depicted in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30—An orthographic section view of the assembly of FIG. 29,corresponding to line 30 (for clarity, the corner pads are hidden inthis view).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A packaging system constructed according to the present invention, inits fully assembled, loaded, and bound state, is depicted in FIG. 1-3and is denoted generally by reference numeral 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, packaging system 1 is comprised of three mainelements: a stack 5 of one or more multi-part panel cases 6, eachcontaining a single fragile panel to be packaged (three such panel casesare stacked in the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1); two pairsof support and carriage pillars, each pair consisting of pillar 2 and ageometrically mirrored pillar 2 m, the respective pillars of each pairembracing stack 5 on opposite faces at either end thereof; two baseblocks 3 upon which stack 5 rests, an end section of each block securelyengaged within a corresponding recess at the bottom of each of supportpillars 2 and 2 m.

The use of two-part support structures (viz. pillars 2 and 2 m) tobuttress stack 5 permits the packaging of any number of units of panelcase 6, to a limit imposed by the ability of pillars 2 and 2 m andblocks 3 to withstand the weight of the stack.

Although in the preferred embodiments, pillars 2 and 2 m are bound levelwith the lateral edges of stack 5 for maximum stability and protection,pillars 2 and 2 m may also be bound inwardly of these edges by anyoffset which still provides acceptable stability.

Stack 5 of panel cases 6, as discussed above and as seen in FIG. 1 andFIG. 3, is interposed between pillars 2 and 2 m, and the entire assemblyis bound together by steel or plastic strapping, seen most clearly inFIG. 2. Vertical straps 4 v bind stack 5 over flanges which extend fromeach pillar 2 and 2 m (denoted 2.2 in FIG. 4-7), binding pillars 2 and 2m to one another and affixing them to stack 5. Horizontal straps 4 hbind stack 5 over vertical straps 4 v (and thus over flanges 2.2) andthrough slots in pillars 2 (denoted 2.6 in FIG. 4-7) and thecorresponding slots in support pillars 2 m, solidifying the attachmentof pillars 2 and 2 m to stack 5.

Referring now to FIG. 4-7, pillar 2 is formed, in the preferredembodiments, from a corrugated fibreboard blank, denoted generally bythe numeral 2.0 in FIG. 4. Blank 2.0 is adapted with pre-pressed foldlines to facilitate its transformation into the solid double-walledstructure of pillar 2. This transformation, in the embodiment depictedin FIG. 4-7, is achieved in the following manner: segment 2.8 is bent toan acute angle of approximately 20° relative to base segment 2.1; basesegment 2.1 is bent at a right angle relative to the segment on itsleft; the latter segment and, sequentially, each succeeding segmentthrough segment 2.2 are bent at a right angle relative to theirrespective preceding segment; segment 2.3 is bent down to cap thestructure; segment 2.4 is bent up to form an inner bottom cap; segment2.5 is bent up to form an outer bottom cap.

In the preferred embodiments, one or more sections of an adhesive tapeare applied circumferentially to pillar 2 to fix its form;alternatively, the overlapping areas of segment 2.2 and the segment itoverlies, and—advantageously—overlapping areas of other segments, arebonded or stapled.

Pillar 2 m, depicted isolated in FIG. 8, is formed from a blank ofmirrored geometry with respect to that of blank 2.0, following the sameprocedure.

Bracing segment 2.8 spans diagonally the interior cavity of pillar 2,when so constructed, thereby increasing the unit's structural rigidityand resistance to deformation. The diagonal orientation of segment 2.8is revealed in the exposed view of pillar 2 depicted in FIG. 5 and inthe section view of FIG. 11, an aspect corresponding to a viewpointrepresented by line 11 in FIG. 10.

An identical, though mirrored, arrangement of a diagonal bracing segmentis found in pillar 2 m.

As seen in FIG. 4, bracing segment 2.8 is truncated at its bottom toallow—in the formed pillar 2—the insertion of an end section of baseblock 3, depicted in FIG. 9. In the preferred embodiments, base block 3is a laminate, constructed of a plurality of bonded fibreboard panels.In an alternative embodiment, the laminate fibreboard block is formed bystrapping together the constituent panels. The manner of engagement ofsupport pillar 2 and base block 3 is shown in FIG. 6.

A plurality of slots 2.6 t and 2.6 b are pre-cut in blank 2.0. Slots 2.6t and 2.6 b are so positioned that when blank 2.0 is manipulatedaccording to the aforesaid procedure to form unit 2, Slots 2.6 t and 2.6b are disposed in superposed registration with one another near the topand bottom of pillar 2, respectively, allowing the transverse passage ofthe aforementioned straps 4 h therethrough.

The vertical edge of slots 2.6 t and 2.6 b which is nearer stack 5 inthe assembled package is level with the rear face of the innermost wallof unit 2 on its side facing stack 5. This allows straps 4 h to lie inabutment with said wall face unhindered.

An identical arrangement of strapping slots is found in pillar 2 m.

Two pairs of hand carrying slots 2.7, a representative one is labeled inFIG. 4, are pre-cut in blank 2.0. Slots 2.7 are positioned on blank 2.0,so that when it is formed into pillar 2 they are disposed in superposedregistration with one another on the side of pillar 2 facing away fromstack 5 in the assembled package, providing two handhold openings. Thevertical positioning of the two handhold openings is set to allowcomfortable handgrip by person of normal stature.

An identical arrangement of handhold openings is found in support pillar2 m.

Referring now to FIG. 12-14, a second preferred embodiment of pillar 2,denoted generally by the numeral 2B in FIG. 12, provides an internalbracing of an alternative geometry. Base segment 2B.1 is extended, inthis embodiment, at a right angle with segment 2B.9 which carries thediagonal bracing segment 2B.10. Segment 2B.11 extends from segment 2B.10in the opposite direction, as seen in FIG. 12 and in FIG. 14 whichcorresponds to a viewpoint similar to that of line 11 in FIG. 10.Segment 2B.11 serves to better anchor segment 2B.10 in its diagonalposition, thus to further reinforce the pillar structure.

Referring to FIG. 15-19, a third preferred embodiment of pillar 2,denoted generally by the numeral 2C in FIG. 15, provides an internalbracing of a second alternative geometry. In this embodiment, the upperhalf of base segment 2C.1 is extended at a right angle with segment2C.12, which carries diagonal bracing segment 2C.13. At its lower half,base segment 2C.1 is extended directly with diagonal bracing segment2C.14. Diagonal segment 2C.13 is clearly seen in FIG. 18—a sectional topview, corresponding to line 18 of FIG. 17. Diagonal segment 2C.14 isclearly seen in FIG. 19—a sectional bottom view, corresponding to line19 of FIG. 17. The two cross diagonal bracing segments further fortifythe pillar structure in this embodiment.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various othergeometries of inner bracing are possible which may provide similarbenefits.

Referring to FIG. 20-22, a corner pad—depicted isolated in FIG. 20 anddenoted generally by the numeral 8—is provided to protectively sheatheach of the corners of a fragile panel to be packaged (denoted 7 in FIG.22) and secure it to a mounting panel (denoted 9 in FIG. 22). Corner pad8 consists of a main section 8.0, adjacent two of whose sides areextended with inwardly folded, partially overlapping flaps 8.1 and 8.2.Corner pad 8 is constructed, in the preferred embodiment, of acorrugated fibreboard blank, depicted in FIG. 21, which is adapted witha plurality of pre-pressed fold lines 8.3. The multiplicity of foldlines 8.3 permit flaps 8.1 and 8.2 to be folded squarely over fragilepanel 7 according to its thickness, so that it is accommodated snuglytherewithin. Flaps 8.1 and 8.2, in the preferred embodiments, are taped;alternatively, their overlapping sections may be stapled or bondedtogether.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various other two-flapenvelope geometries will provide corner pads of equally effectivefunctionality.

Once applied to the respective corners of panel 7, corner pads 8 arethen taped or bonded to mounting panel 9, as seen in FIG. 22, so thatpanel 7 is secured in a substantially central lateral position withrespect to mounting panel 9, and level with the bottom edge thereof.

Mounting panel 9 effectively normalizes panel 7 dimensionally, so thatan envelope of corresponding predetermined dimensions may be used, asdescribed hereinafter, to securely encase the so mounted panel 7irrespective of its dimensions.

Referring to FIG. 23-24, a four-flap envelope, denoted 10 in FIG. 23, isprovided to encase panel 7, when mounted by corner pads 8 onto mountingpanel 9, as described above. The manner of engagement of mounted panel 7and envelope 10 is traced in FIG. 23, and their relation when coupled isshown in FIG. 24.

In the preferred embodiments, vertical flaps 10.1 are folded first,followed by the folding of horizontal flaps 10.2. Once flaps 10.1 and10.2 are folded to abut corner pads 8 and one another, they are fixed inthis position by an adhesive tape. Alternatively, the overlapping areasof flaps 10.1 and 10.2 are bonded together or stapled.

Envelope 10 is constructed, in the preferred embodiments, of acorrugated fibreboard blank, depicted in FIG. 25, which is adapted witha plurality of pre-pressed fold lines 10.3. Each of fold lines 10.3corresponds to a particular thickness panel 7 may have, and permitsflaps 10.1 and 10.2 to be folded squarely over panel 7 when of thisthickness.

Referring now to FIG. 26-30, a two-flap, outer envelope, denoted 11 inFIG. 26, is provided to encase envelope 10 and its contents. As seen inFIG. 26, envelope 10, with panel 7 secured therewithin, is engaged withenvelope 11 so that the remaining exposed area of panel 7 is covered byenvelope 11. FIG. 27 depicts envelopes 10 and 11 engaged, to form theaforementioned panel case 6.

In the preferred embodiments, envelope 11 is constructed of a corrugatedfibreboard blank, depicted in FIG. 28, which is adapted with a pluralityof pre-pressed fold lines 11.2. Each of fold lines 11.2 corresponds to aparticular thickness envelope 10 may assume when loaded, and permitsflaps 11.2 to be folded squarely over envelope 10 when of thisthickness.

Flaps 11.1, in the preferred embodiments, are taped to envelope 10;alternatively, they may be bonded or strapped.

When the use of outer envelope 11 is deemed superfluous, it may beeliminated, and mounting panel 9 engaged with four-flap envelop 10, sothat panel 7 is emplaced therebetween. Conversely, if greater surfaceimpact protection is desired than that provided by mounting panel 9,envelope 10, and envelope 11, one or more progressively largerenvelopes—each formed of a corrugated fibreboard blank adapted with atleast two opposite foldable flaps—may be applied to encase thepreviously applied envelope and its contents.

Although, advantageously, corrugated fibreboard is the board blankmaterial contemplated for use in the various parts of the preferredembodiments, other materials which allow a board blank to be adaptedwith foldable segments and flaps may be employed alternatively.

It is to be understood that the forgoing description of the preferredembodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings areintended to better elucidate the invention by way of examples, and notin any way to narrow its purview or the scope of the appended claims tothe embodiments exemplified.

1. A packaging system for secure and protective containment of fragile,relatively large-scale planiform materials, such as architecturalpanels, which system comprising: (a) one or more panel cases ofpredetermined surface dimensions, each case enclosing fixedlytherewithin a single fragile panel to be packaged, which panel may be ofindeterminate surface dimensions, and have a thickness from apredetermined set of thickness values; (b) two pairs of buttressingpillars, each pair bound level with or proximal to a respective lateraledge of said panel case or a stack thereof, its two pillars disposedopposite to and in alignment with one another, abutting the respectivefaces of said case or stack, thereby to support it in a substantiallyvertical orientation; (c) two shock-absorbing base blocks, formed aselongated beams of rectangular cross-section, each of which blocksdisposed underneath a respective end of said case or stack, a section ofeach of whose ends inserted within a recess at the base of thecorresponding pillar of the respective said pair.
 2. A packaging systemas set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said panel cases comprises: (a)a mounting panel, consisting of a substantially rectangular board blank,onto which a fragile panel to be packaged that is equal or smaller insurface dimensions with respect thereto is affixed; (b) a plurality ofcorner pads, each formed from a board blank, having two foldable flapson adjacent sides thereof, thereby to protectively sheath each corner ofsaid fragile panel and affix it to said mounting panel; (c) one or moreenvelopes, each formed from a board blank, having at least two foldableflaps on opposite sides thereof, thereby to encase said mounting paneland said fragile panel mounted thereon, or a previously applied suchenvelope and its contents.
 3. A packaging system as set forth in claim2, wherein each of said board blanks is constructed of corrugatedfibreboard adapted with pre-pressed fold lines.
 4. A packaging system asset forth in claim 1, wherein each of said buttressing pillars isconstructed of a board blank that is adapted with foldable segments andflaps, and that is patterned geometrically to allow its formation into adouble-walled pillar structure of substantially rectangularcross-section, having a recess at its base to accommodate said baseblock.
 5. A packaging system as set forth in claim 4, wherein one ormore segments of each of said buttressing pillar is disposed internallyto span diagonally the interior cavity thereof, thereby to providereinforcement to said structure.
 6. A packaging system as set forth inclaim 5, wherein said board blank is constructed of corrugatedfibreboard.
 7. A packaging system as set forth in claim 2, wherein eachof said buttressing pillars is constructed of a board blank that isadapted with foldable segments and flaps, and that is patternedgeometrically to allow its formation into a double-walled pillarstructure of substantially rectangular cross-section, having a recess atits base to accommodate said base block.
 8. A packaging system as setforth in claim 7, wherein one or more segments of each of saidbuttressing pillar is disposed internally to span diagonally theinterior cavity thereof, thereby to provide reinforcement to saidstructure.
 9. A packaging system as set forth in claim 8, wherein saidboard blank is constructed of corrugated fibreboard.
 10. A packagingsystem as set forth in claim 4, wherein each of said base blocks is alaminate, constructed of a plurality of corrugated fibreboard panelsthat are bonded or strapped together, thereby to form a solid,shock-absorbing block of rectangular cross-section.
 11. A packagingsystem as set forth in claim 5, wherein each of said base blocks is alaminate, constructed of a plurality of corrugated fibreboard panelsthat are bonded or strapped together, thereby to form a solid,shock-absorbing block of rectangular cross-section.
 12. A packagingsystem as set forth in claim 7, wherein each of said base blocks is alaminate, constructed of a plurality of corrugated fibreboard panelsthat are bonded or strapped together, thereby to form a solid,shock-absorbing block of rectangular cross-section.
 13. A packagingsystem as set forth in claim 8, wherein each of said base blocks is alaminate, constructed of a plurality of corrugated fibreboard panelsthat are bonded or strapped together, thereby to form a solid,shock-absorbing block of rectangular cross-section.